Keeping your home healthy

For people living with asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and other respiratory conditions, home should be a place where it is easier to breathe — not harder.

But many New Zealand homes are cold, damp and poorly ventilated, which can worsen respiratory symptoms, increase the risk of infections and make recovery more difficult.

Everyday issues such as condensation, mould, dust and stale air can all affect lung health, particularly during winter.

The average Kiwi household creates around eight litres of moisture every day through cooking, showering, drying clothes and even breathing.

Without proper heating and ventilation, that moisture can quickly lead to dampness and mould — two common triggers for respiratory illness.

Creating a warm, dry and healthy home can make a real difference to respiratory health and overall wellbeing.

Warm homes are healthier homes, especially for people with respiratory conditions. Health New Zealand recommends indoor temperatures of at least 18°C, and above 20°C for older people, babies and young children.

Cold air can irritate sensitive airways and trigger asthma symptoms, coughing and breathlessness. Homes that are difficult to heat are also more likely to develop condensation and mould.

Safe, effective heating options include heat pumps, wood pellet burners and electric heaters. Unflued gas heaters should be avoided because they release moisture and pollutants directly into the air inside the home.

Simple ways to keep homes warmer include:

• Closing curtains before sunset
• Opening curtains during sunny winter days
• Using draught stoppers around doors and windows
• Insulating ceilings and floors
• Heating the rooms used most often

Dampness and mould are major triggers for respiratory illness.

Mould spores can irritate the lungs, worsen asthma and allergies, and contribute to respiratory infections.

In New Zealand, one in five homes are considered damp, and more than half of all rental properties have visible mould.

Many everyday household activities contribute to indoor moisture. For example, drying clothes indoors can release up to five litres of moisture into the air from a single load of washing, cooking can add another three litres a day, and every shower or bath contributes around 1.5 litres per person.

To reduce moisture build-up:

• Open windows regularly, even in winter
• Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
• Dry clothes outside whenever possible
• Wipe condensation from windows
• Use lids on pots while cooking
• Leave space between furniture and walls to improve airflow

Dehumidifiers can also help reduce moisture levels, particularly in bedrooms and homes prone to condensation.

Good ventilation helps remove moisture, airborne irritants and viruses from indoor spaces.

During winter, many people keep their homes closed up to stay warm, but trapping stale, damp air indoors can increase mould growth and allow pollutants to build up.

Opening windows and doors regularly is one of the simplest ways to improve airflow. Crossventilation — opening windows on opposite sides of the home — can be especially effective.

Extractor fans should vent outside rather than into roof cavities, and filters in heat pumps and ventilation systems should be cleaned regularly to maintain good air quality.

Ventilation also plays an important role in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV and COVID-19, which can significantly worsen symptoms for people with underlying lung conditions.

People with respiratory conditions are often more sensitive to indoor air pollution.

Smoke, dust, chemicals, fragrances and airborne particles can all irritate the lungs and trigger symptoms.

Health New Zealand estimates human-made air pollution contributes to more than 13,000 hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiac illnesses every year, along with more than 13,000 cases of childhood asthma. Improving indoor air quality can help reduce flare-ups and support better breathing.

You can do this by:

• Avoiding smoking or vaping indoors
• Minimising scented sprays and strong cleaning chemicals
• Vacuuming regularly (with a HEPA filter) to reduce dust and allergens
• Wash bedding frequently in hot water
• Consider using an air purifier

Wood smoke and gas cooking can also contribute to indoor pollution, particularly in poorly ventilated homes.

Respiratory disease affects around one million New Zealanders and places a significant burden on families and the health system, costing the country an estimated $8.4 billion every year.

While not every home issue can be fixed overnight, small changes can still have a meaningful impact.

Keeping homes warmer, drier and better ventilated can help reduce respiratory triggers, improve sleep and support overall wellbeing.

For people living with respiratory conditions, a healthy home is more than just comfort – it is an important part of staying well and breathing easier every day.